Inactive Volcanoes: A Looming Risk of Explosive Eruptions, Study Reveals in Ciomadul

Researchers warn about the underestimated threat of seemingly dormant volcanoes, highlighting the case of Ciomadul volcano in the Carpathians, Romania

Inactive Volcanoes: A Looming Risk of Explosive Eruptions, Study Reveals in Ciomadul

PorSzabolcs Harangi

In a surprising discovery, scientists from ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, along with European collaborators, have analyzed the Ciomadul volcano in the Carpathians-Pannonian region, revealing that, though seemingly inactive, it poses risks of sudden explosive eruptions.

Using advanced data, they identified changes in the eruption style and emphasize the importance of closely monitoring these inactive volcanoes to prevent possible reactivations.

Read more: China Achieves Milestone with Successful Deployment of Shiyan-24C Satellites via Long March-11 Rocket

Ciomadul’s most recent eruption occurred 30,000 years ago, but the study suggests the volcano could awaken again if it receives more hot and humid magma. The detailed analysis of minerals revealed critical information about magma conditions and pre-eruption signals, highlighting the need for quantitative studies in volcanic petrology to understand and prevent future risks.

Szabolcs Harangi is a scientist at the Department of Petrology and Geochemistry at the Institute of Geography and Earth Sciences, Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary.